‘This is something I’ve been fighting for now for two years almost,’ Indigenous language interpretation in the House important symbol for youth, says Liberal MP Ouellette

By Laura RyckewaertJan. 28, 2019

The House of Commons adopted changes to provide for the simultaneous interpretation of Indigenous languages during proceedings late last year.

Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette, right, pictured with Ontario regional chief Isadore Day on May 4, 2017 after speaking in Cree in the House of Commons. His statement that day ultimately wasn't able to be translated, in turn prompting the MP to raise a question of privilege which led to a House committee study that recommended Indigenous language interpretation be offered in the House. The Hill Times file photograph

The federal Translation Bureau has been working to adjust to the new option for MPs to speak in Indigenous languages during House of Commons proceedings, a monumental change passed two months ago and one that Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette, who pushed for the change, calls “significant and very symbolic.”

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Laura Ryckewaert moved to Ottawa from Toronto roughly eight years ago to study a bachelor of journalism at Carleton University. She's been a reporter at The Hill Times since the end of June 2011. Follow - lryckewaert@hilltimes.com

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